Lib Dems seek a fresh start for Torridge Council

The Liberal Democrats are seeking to refresh Torridge District Council at the elections on 4 May. Their slate of 15 candidates includes some new and enthusiastic nominees who they hope will bring fresh energy to the council chamber.

Current Great Torrington Councillor Chris Bright is joined on the ballot by his wife Lauren, and also by Doug Smith, currently Mayor of the town, while Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, currently leader of the Lib Dem group, is standing for her home ward of Shebbear and Langtree along with Chris Wheatley, a Monkleigh boy who has returned to the area after a career in the Royal Navy and as an IT network engineer.

Holsworthy has two new local faces on the ballot, architect Lyndon Piper and Emma Hosie, who runs a school for children with special educational needs and disabilities in the town. In Northam, town councillor Sam Newman-McKie is now standing for the District, and Bert Bruins, a local member of Northam's Climate Emergency Committee, is standing for Westward Ho! In Winkleigh, local farmer and Chair of Torridge and West Devon Lib Dems Steve Middleton is hoping to get elected, along with Roger Allen and Claire Davey-Potts in the rural ward of Two Rivers and Three Moors, which takes in Alverdiscott, Beaford, Dolton and nearby villages. Sherrie Green in Broadheath and Shirleyann Andrews in Hartland make up the full team, along with veteran Lib Dem Trevor Johns in Bideford North.

Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin said:

'We need a fresh start after years of Tory incompetence, chaos, and neglect at all levels. Our communities and so many local people are suffering real hardship and hurt as a result of rising prices, uncaring policies and cutbacks in public services. Enough is enough! Liberal Democrat councillors will listen to your views, fight hard for your interests, and bring in fresh thinking and new approaches.'

Chris Bright added:

We shall fight to get a fair deal for Torridge. We need a campaigning Council that is determined to get a fair deal for our area. Our services have already been hit hard by years of Conservative cuts. And to make matters worse, this year the Government settlement for Torridge was just 1.1% with inflation running at some 10%! Similar areas to ours got a 7% increase. This is shameful. They are taking us for granted. I want to see our Council standing up for the people of Torridge, lobbying Government hard, working with local businesses, town and parish councils, the voluntary sector, and others to get a fair deal for our area.'

Former Lib Dem MP for Torridge and West Devon, Lord (John) Burnett, said:

'I am proud to support the excellent team of Liberal Democrat candidates, ably led by Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, who are standing for election to Torridge District Council. They will bring a new constructive energy and a more caring and community-orientated approach to the Council. They will work to promote sustainable opportunities whilst ensuring that our wonderful environment is well protected. I believe they will listen to you and your community. It is time for a real change.'

The full list of Lib Dem candidates for Torridge Council can be found on the 'Our Team' page.